New York: Hamas, the militant Palestinian group, has been designated a terrorist organisation by Western governments and some others and has been locked out of the traditional financial system. But this year, its military wing has developed an increasingly sophisticated campaign to raise money using bitcoin.

The nation's anti-money laundering regulator warns it is likely to take more action against Australia's top financial institutions after being "flooded" with reports of potential breaches following its landmark case against the Commonwealth Bank.

Despite years of bad publicity — and some successful prosecutions — the property spruiking industry is alive and well. This week, I was contacted by a couple in their mid-50s who had completed a survey which asked them to tick the box most relevant to their financial challenges. They chose superannuation.

Shoppers anywhere in the country should able to buy pots, paint and power tools for Christmas online from Bunnings, with the home improvement giant planning to have its digital offering up and running by December.

A rare public intervention from banking royal commissioner Kenneth Hayne could be aimed at ensuring his recommendations are not watered down by financial sector lobbying, former watchdog Allan Fels says.